Tools for this page
Print

Rip the Runway

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: BET)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Hip hop and fashion strut, with mixed results.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A variety of body sizes are on display ... but the women are still often treated as sexualized objects.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    The featured music might occasionally mention violent acts, but that's not the focus of the show or the performances.

  • Sex:

    Some flirtatious/romantic behavior plays out on the runway, with occasional sexually suggestive actions. Models are often barely dressed or wear revealing clothing, especially during the swimwear portion.

  • Language:

    Words like "damn" and "hell" are used occasionally. Some music lyrics might get more explicit, but it's not common.

  • Consumerism:

    Way over the top -- advertisements are built into the show. Not only do the designers mention stores (like Macy's) where their clothes can be purchased, but backstage segments overtly advertise products like gum, T-shirts, and bras.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Rip the Runway

Parents need to know that this hip-hop runway show is heavy on product placement. Advertorial segments include promotions for gum, bras, and T-shirts. While some male models appear, most of the models are women, and their bodies (in a range of sizes) are given lots of attention, especially during the swimwear portion. Some flirtation and sexually suggestive scenarios are briefly played out on the runway, like when a male performer stands behind a female model and thrusts his hips back and forth near her bottom.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the power of advertising. How aware of product placement are you? Have you found yourself wanting or craving something after seeing it on television? Do you think advertising that's embedded in shows -- rather than shown in separate commercials -- is more effective? Why or why not? Families can also discuss how this show portrays the hip hop lifestyle. Is it positive or negative? Why?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Rip the Runway?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 4+
    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.